Why are tax refunds taking so long?

Asked by: Kattie Pouros PhD  |  Last update: September 18, 2023
Score: 4.5/5 (70 votes)

Things that can delay a refund:
The return has errors, is incomplete or is affected by identity theft or fraud. The return needs a correction to the child tax credit or recovery rebate credit amount.

Why are 2021 refunds taking so long?

Some returns are taking longer because of corrections needed that are related to the earned-income tax credit and the pandemic-related stimulus payments (officially termed a “Recovery Rebate Credit”).

Are tax refunds taking longer this year?

Taxpayers face "unprecedented" delays getting their refunds, IRS watchdog says. The Internal Revenue Service is facing an even bigger backlog for this tax season than it did a year ago, with delays creating "unprecedented financial difficulties" for taxpayers, according to a report released Wednesday.

What is taking 2020 tax refunds so long?

Although most people will receive their tax refund within 21 days of filing electronically, the IRS warns of possible delays due to lingering backlogs caused by the pandemic. So far, the IRS has issued more than 45 million tax refunds in 2022, at an average of $3,352 per refund—up from last year's $2,800 average check.

How long are tax refunds taking now?

The IRS issues more than 9 out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days. However, it's possible your tax return may require additional review and take longer.

Why is your tax return taking so long?

20 related questions found

Is the IRS behind on refunds?

The report expresses concern about continuing delays in the processing of paper-filed tax returns and the consequent impact on taxpayer refunds. At the end of May, the agency had a backlog of 21.3 million unprocessed paper tax returns, an increase of 1.3 million over the same time last year.

Why have I not received my tax refund 2020?

Undelivered Federal Tax Refund Checks

If you were expecting a federal tax refund and did not receive it, check the IRS' Where's My Refund page. You'll need to enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact whole dollar amount of your refund. You may be prompted to change your address online.

Why is my refund still being processed after 2 months?

Some of the reasons are: you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit and/or an Additional Child Tax Credit (if you claim either of these credits, the PATH Act requires processing to be delayed), you filed Form 8379 (Injured Spouse Allocation), you have a refund offset, the IRS found errors, inconsistencies, or missing ...

Why is my refund still processing after 3 months?

Your refund may be delayed if you made math errors or if you forgot to sign your return or include your Social Security number. It may also be delayed if your dependents' information doesn't match IRS records, or if you left out a corresponding schedule or form to support a deduction or credit, says Pickering.

Why is my refund taking longer than 21 days 2022?

It is also taking the IRS more than 21 days to issue refunds for some tax returns that require review including incorrect Recovery Rebate Credit amounts, or that used 2019 income to figure the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC).

Why have I not received my IRS refund 2021?

If you haven't received your tax refund after at least 21 days of filing online or six weeks of mailing your paper return, go to a local IRS office or call the federal agency (check out our list of IRS phone numbers that could get you help faster).

Are tax refunds delayed 2021?

Many taxpayers who filed paper returns in 2021 got caught in the backlog and reported waiting six months and longer to receive their refunds. The IRS acknowledged Tuesday: "To date, more than twice as many returns await processing compared to a typical year at this point in the calendar year."

Is IRS behind on refunds 2022?

The IRS is making progress on its backlog of unprocessed tax returns, but millions remain, the agency said Tuesday. As of June 10, there were 11 million pending individual returns, including filings received before 2022 and new 2021 returns, according to the IRS.

Why are my taxes still pending 2021?

What does it mean if my e-file status is “Pending”? This simply means your e-filed tax return was sent, but hasn't been accepted or rejected yet. It should generally get accepted or rejected within 24-48 hours of submitting.

What does it mean when the IRS says your tax return has been received and is being processed?

This means the IRS has your tax return and is processing it. Your personalized refund date will be available as soon as the IRS finishes processing your return and confirms that your refund has been approved. Most refunds are issued in less than 21 days.

Is anyone still waiting for their tax refund 2020?

People are still waiting for their 2020 tax refunds even though many of them have already received their 2021 refunds. FOX43 Finds Outs gets answers from the IRS.

Are tax returns delayed 2020?

There are lots of reasons tax refunds are taking longer than 21 days. Tax returns are piling up at the Internal Revenue Service, and millions of taxpayers are experiencing refund delays beyond the typical 21 days or fewer for e-filed returns electing a direct deposit refund.

How far behind is the IRS in processing paper returns?

Americans who file paper forms tend to have an average wait of about six months, and these returns often provide thousands of dollars in refunds to low-income workers that can be critical for supplementing their incomes.

Why are 2022 refunds taking so long?

The COVID-19 pandemic, a backlog of returns from last year and a worker shortage may add up to long delays. PROCTORVILLE, Ohio (WSAZ) - According to the IRS, as of April 29, 2022, there were more than 9.6 million unprocessed individual returns which include returns received before 2022, and new tax year 2021 returns.

Why does my refund say still being processed?

The answer: not much yet! The prompt means that the IRS has received your return, but due to Covid-19 delays, the IRS is experiencing a considerable backlog, slowing processing times and disbursements. Typically the IRS processes tax returns and issues refunds within 21 calendar days of receipt.

Is the IRS processing paper returns now?

The Internal Revenue Service has essentially been unable to process the paper 1040 returns that individuals filed in 2022 until it's finished processing the pile up of paperwork filed in 2021.

What's the longest a tax refund can take?

If you file a complete and accurate paper tax return, your refund should be issued in about six to eight weeks from the date IRS receives your return. If you file your return electronically, your refund should be issued in less than three weeks, even faster when you choose direct deposit.

Are tax refunds delayed 2022?

IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig in March told House lawmakers he expects the backlog to clear by the end of 2022.